More defensive questions thanks to some shocking performances.

Q: gotroy22 said:
Why do you think Michael Morgan, the 4 star and #67 overall recruit in the nation in 2006, looked so completely lost out there in the Stanford game, holding and even tackling receivers instead of covering them?

A: I’m not sure what he was thinking during the Stanford game. But more importantly than his recruiting ranking is the fact he is a senior and

Q: NOBS said:
Was the Fat Booster on the sidelines? If so, why didn’t he yell at the Ref regarding the play clock?

A: He is no longer allowed on the sidelines because of NCAA sanctions, which is why he was on the Washington sidelines a couple weeks ago. Maybe he should have been on the sideline this one time to berate the refs. Lane Kiffin seemed to need back up.

Q: gilligan said:
Mr. Wolf, what offseason changes to the coaching staff do you forsee considering that the defense is the weak link of the team (weird considering that the defense was viewed stronger in the summer)? BTW do you view the lack of defense as a result of personnel or coaching? Thank you in advance.

A: I think it is primarily a personnel issue. The defense had some shocking performances last season too. But this year is worse and unfortunately, it is the personnel (bad recruiting, installation of Brennan Carroll as recruiting coordinator). But at the same time, I don’t think it is excusable for USC to be ranked 100th in total defense no matter what the recruiting deficiencies. So I hold the coaches responsible too.
As for changes, Lane Kiffin’s defensive staff is supposed to be where the coaching talent is greatest. Joe Barry and Ed Orgeron are respected position coaches. Monte Kiffin has a good reputation. Like I said earlier today, firing your father would not aid your image.